My Reports
RGCIRC, Niti Bagh
Glioblastoma Treatment in Delhi, India
Being diagnosed with glioblastoma can be overwhelming for both patients and their families. Along with concerns about the tumour itself, there may be uncertainty about treatment, changes in neurological function, recovery and what lies ahead. But they do not have to navigate these challenges alone. At Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), patients receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary care that focuses not only on treating the tumour but also on supporting neurological function, symptom management and quality of life throughout the treatment journey. Treatment is planned individually based on the tumour’s location and extent, its molecular characteristics, the patient’s neurological condition and overall health, with specialists working together to determine the most appropriate course of care.
Understanding Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma is a fast-growing, malignant brain tumour that belongs to a group of tumours known as gliomas. It develops from cells associated with the brain’s supportive glial tissue and tends to infiltrate surrounding brain tissue, which can make treatment challenging. Under the current WHO classification, glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype is a CNS WHO grade 4 tumour and is one of the adult-type diffuse gliomas.
Glioblastoma is often abbreviated as GBM and was historically called glioblastoma multiforme. Unlike many other cancers, brain tumours such as glioblastoma are not usually described using a Stage I to Stage IV system. Doctors instead assess the tumour using imaging, examination of tumour tissue and molecular characteristics, which together help establish the diagnosis and guide treatment planning.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma symptoms vary depending on the tumour’s size and location in the brain. Some symptoms develop gradually, while others may appear more suddenly as the tumour grows and increases pressure within the skull.
Common signs and symptoms may include:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- New-onset seizures
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding language
- Problems with vision
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Changes in memory, concentration or thinking
- Personality or behavioural changes
- Nausea or vomiting, particularly when linked to increased pressure in the brain
These symptoms can also occur with several non-cancerous neurological conditions, so they do not confirm glioblastoma on their own. Persistent, progressive or unexplained neurological symptoms should be medically evaluated.
Causes and Risk Factors for Glioblastoma
The exact cause of glioblastoma is not known in most cases. It develops when genetic changes disrupt normal cell growth and division in the brain, leading to uncontrolled tumour growth. In most people, these changes occur without a clearly identifiable cause or trigger.
Known risk factors include:
- Increasing age: Glioblastoma occurs most often in older adults, although it may develop at any age.
- Previous exposure to ionising radiation: People who previously received radiation therapy to the head or central nervous system have a higher risk of developing glioblastoma later in life.
- Rare inherited genetic conditions: Certain hereditary syndromes increase the risk of developing central nervous system tumours, although inherited factors account for only a small proportion of cases.
At present, researchers have not identified common lifestyle factors that clearly cause glioblastoma.
Glioblastoma Diagnosis at RGCIRC
At RGCIRC, the diagnostic evaluation for suspected glioblastoma focuses on locating the tumour, understanding how it affects nearby brain structures and confirming its type through tissue and molecular testing. The care team may recommend:
- Neurological examination: The doctor checks functions such as strength, reflexes, balance, vision, coordination, memory and speech to understand which areas of the brain may be affected.
- MRI scan: MRI is the preferred imaging test for suspected brain tumours because it provides detailed images of the tumour’s size, location, surrounding swelling and relationship with important areas of the brain.
- CT scan: Doctors may use a CT scan when they need rapid brain imaging or when MRI is not suitable for the patient.
- Surgery or biopsy: Neuro-Oncosurgeons obtain tumour tissue either during surgery or through a stereotactic biopsy when required. A pathologist then examines the tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
- Molecular testing: The team may test the tumour for markers such as IDH status and MGMT promoter methylation. These findings help classify the tumour more accurately and provide information that can influence prognosis and treatment decisions.
The diagnostic findings help the multidisciplinary team at RGCIRC determine the most appropriate treatment approach while considering both tumour control and preservation of neurological function.
Glioblastoma Treatment at RGCIRC
At RGCIRC, treatment for glioblastoma is guided by a multidisciplinary team comprising Neuro-Oncosurgeons, Radiation Oncologists, Medical Oncologists, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists and supportive care specialists, who work together to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Depending on the case dynamics, treatment may include:
- Surgery: When the tumour is operable, Neuro-Oncosurgeons aim to remove as much of it as safely possible while protecting important brain functions such as movement, speech and vision. Surgery also provides tissue for an accurate pathological and molecular diagnosis. Maximal safe tumour removal forms an important first step in treatment for many patients.
- Radiation therapy: After surgery, Radiation Oncologists use radiation therapy to target tumour cells that remain in and around the treated area. Radiation forms a standard part of treatment for most newly diagnosed glioblastomas.
- Chemotherapy: Doctors commonly use temozolomide alongside radiation therapy and continue it for a period after radiation treatment. The team considers factors such as the patient’s overall health and tumour characteristics when planning chemotherapy.
- Treatment for recurrent glioblastoma: Glioblastoma may return after initial treatment. Depending on the location and extent of recurrence, previous treatment and the patient’s overall condition, the team may consider repeat surgery, further radiation therapy or systemic treatment. No single treatment approach suits every recurrent glioblastoma.
The care team at RGCIRC monitors the response to treatment through neurological assessment and follow-up imaging and adjusts the treatment plan according to the patient’s clinical needs.
Supportive Care and Rehabilitation
Glioblastoma and its treatment can affect movement, speech, memory, balance and day-to-day independence. At RGCIRC, supportive care and rehabilitation work alongside cancer treatment to help manage neurological symptoms and maintain function and quality of life. We offer:
Symptom Management
The treating team manages symptoms according to the tumour’s location and the patient’s clinical needs. This may include medicines to control seizures, headaches or swelling in the brain, along with treatment for other neurological symptoms. Steroids or anti-seizure medicines are used when clinically indicated rather than routinely for every patient.
Neuro-Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is tailored to the neurological functions affected by the tumour or treatment. Depending on individual needs, support may include physiotherapy for strength and balance, speech and swallowing therapy, occupational rehabilitation, and cognitive support to help patients regain or maintain independence in daily activities.
Follow-Up Care
After treatment, the Neuro-Oncology team schedules regular follow-up visits and MRI scans to assess treatment response and look for signs of progression or recurrence. The team also reviews neurological symptoms, functional recovery and rehabilitation needs and adjusts supportive care when required.
Why Choose RGCIRC for Glioblastoma Treatment in Delhi?
Glioblastoma requires coordinated care across neurosurgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology and rehabilitation. Here’s why patients and families trust RGCIRC for glioblastoma treatment:
Multidisciplinary Neuro-Oncology Care
At RGCIRC, Neuro-Oncosurgeons, Radiation Oncologists, Medical Oncologists, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists, rehabilitation specialists and supportive care teams work together to plan glioblastoma treatment. The multidisciplinary team considers the tumour’s location, molecular profile, neurological function and overall health while deciding the sequence of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Expertise in Maximal Safe Glioblastoma Surgery
Our Neuro-Oncosurgeons focus on removing as much of the tumour as safely possible while protecting critical functions such as speech and movement. Neuronavigation, intraoperative neuromonitoring, brain mapping and awake craniotomy support surgery in selected patients, particularly when the tumour lies close to functionally important areas of the brain.
Advanced Neuropathology and Molecular Testing
RGCIRC combines histopathology with molecular testing to classify brain tumours accurately and provide clinically relevant information for treatment planning. Our CNS tumour diagnostics include MGMT promoter methylation testing and a CNS-specific NGS panel with markers such as IDH1 and ATRX, along with other molecular tests where required.
Precision Radiation Therapy
Our Radiation Oncology team has expertise in treating brain tumours using technologies such as IGRT, TomoTherapy and CyberKnife-based stereotactic radiation where clinically appropriate. Radiation oncologists select the technique according to the tumour, previous treatment and individual clinical requirements.
Clinical Trials at RGCIRC
RGCIRC has participated in more than 300 national and international cancer clinical trials, including studies evaluating chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Eligible patients with glioblastoma may be considered for a suitable clinical trial when one is available and matches their diagnosis and treatment needs.
Accredited and Accessible Cancer Care
As a not-for-profit cancer centre accredited by NABH and NABL, RGCIRC combines specialised oncology services with a focus on accessible care. Since 1996, the Institute has cared for more than 3.5 lakh patients and has received recognition in leading national and international healthcare surveys.
Consult a Glioblastoma Specialist at RGCIRC
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with glioblastoma or needs a second opinion on the recommended treatment, our Neuro-Oncology team can review the diagnosis, imaging and molecular findings and guide the next steps.
To book a consultation, schedule an appointment online or download the RGCI Care app on iOS or Android.
For appointments:
Rohini: +91-11-4702 2222
Niti Bagh, South Delhi: +91-11-4582 2222
OPD Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Emergency Services: Available 24×7 at both campuses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an older term for glioblastoma. Current classification uses the term glioblastoma, with molecular findings playing an important role in defining the tumour.
MRI provides detailed images of a suspected brain tumour and helps doctors assess its location, size and surrounding structures. Imaging alone does not provide the final diagnosis. Doctors confirm glioblastoma by examining tumour tissue obtained during surgery or biopsy and assessing relevant molecular findings.
A CT scan may identify a brain tumour, particularly when doctors require rapid imaging or MRI is not suitable. MRI usually provides more detailed information for evaluating a suspected glioblastoma.
Glioblastoma has a high risk of recurrence because tumour cells often extend into surrounding brain tissue beyond the area that surgeons can safely remove. If the tumour returns, the care team reviews previous treatment, the site of recurrence and the patient’s overall condition before deciding the next approach.
Glioblastoma remains a difficult cancer to cure because of its aggressive and infiltrative nature. Treatment aims to remove as much tumour as safely possible, control remaining cancer cells, manage symptoms and prolong survival while preserving neurological function and quality of life.
The outlook differs from person to person and depends on factors such as age, neurological condition, extent of tumour removal, molecular characteristics and response to treatment. Population survival statistics describe groups of patients and cannot predict an individual patient’s outcome.
MGMT promoter methylation provides useful information about how a glioblastoma may respond to temozolomide chemotherapy and also carries prognostic value. Doctors interpret this result alongside the patient’s age, health, tumour characteristics and other clinical findings.
Researchers continue to study newer approaches for newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma, including new medicines and treatment combinations. Eligible patients may consider a clinical trial when an appropriate study is available.
RGCIRC provides specialised multidisciplinary care for glioblastoma in Delhi, bringing together Neuro-Oncosurgery, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, neuroradiology, neuropathology and rehabilitation. Our brain tumour programme also supports advanced neurosurgical techniques, molecular diagnostics and precision radiation therapy according to individual treatment needs.